more... > Livestock > Beef Cattle > Breeding & Genetics > Using Sire EPDs in Cow-Calf Production [Image: bulls] A large segment of the beef cattle industry is adopting expected progeny differences (EPDs) as a valuable selection tool in improving calf productivity. Effects of Pasture Stocking Rate and Method on Cow-Calf Production [Image: cattle] To determine the effectiveness of short-duration, rotational grazing systems for cattle in South Louisiana, a three-year study (Phase 1 of a six-year project), designed to evaluate pasture stocking methods and rates, was initiated in the spring of 1999 at the Iberia Research Station near Jeanerette. A Compilation of Research Results Involving Tropically Adapted Beef Cattle Breeds [Image: cover of research results of tropical adapted beef cattle breeds] The southern United States contains almost half of the nation's cow-calf population in the hot/humid Southeast and Gulf Coast areas. Even in more temperate areas of the United States, weaning productivity of Brahman x Bos taurus cows is virtually unequaled. Effects of Breed Type, Creep Feeding and Growth Implants on Heifer Pre- and Postweaning Growth and Reproductive Performance [Image: Effects of Breed Type, Creep Feeding and Growth Implants on Heifer Pre- and Post-Weaning Growth and Reproductive Performance] Based on these results, a cow-calf producer wishing to retain suitable heifers as herd replacements and sell the remaining heifers at weaning can reasonably consider implanting all heifer calves. High-protein creep, limit-fed to suckling heifer calves had no effect on pre-weaning, post-weaning, or reproductive performance in this study.  more articles... Estrus Synchronization Using MGA or Altrenogest in Crossbred Beef Heifers [Image: Estrus Detection Patch on Heifers (HeatWatch)] Estrus synchronization had its humble beginnings in the 1940s when progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin were administered to cattle at varying stages of the estrous cycle to alter cyclicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of altrenogest for estrus synchronization of crossbred beef heifers. Supplementation of Mature Crossbred Cows Fed Bermudagrass Hay During the Last One-third of Gestation [Image: Document image] These data suggest that good quality hay fed free choice can meet nutrient requirements during the last one-third of gestation, a period when the nutrient requirements of the cow increase because of the growth of the fetus. Rotational Crossbreeding of Beef Cattle: Weaning Weight per Cow Exposed and Cumulative Weaning Weight per Cow in Breeding Herd [Image: Rotational Crossbreeding of Beef Cattle: Weaning Weight per Cow Exposed and Cumulative Weaning Weight per Cow in Breeding Herd] The purpose of this report is to compare the performance of two-, three- and four-breed rotational crossbreeding systems and straight-breeds for calf weaning weight per cow exposed and for cumulative weaning weight per cow entering the herd. Evaluation of Angus-, Gelbvieh-, Brangus- and Gelbray-sired Crossbred Calves for Pre-weaning Performance [Image: Cow nursing calf in Dallis Grass] In this crossbreeding study, one of the main objectives was to compare straight-bred and composite-sired progeny that vary in percentage of Brahman inheritance. A Comparison of Mating Systems for Beef Cattle Production [Image: A Comparison of Mating Systems for Beef Cattle Production] The purpose of this research was to compare two-, three- and four-breed rotational crossbred females produced in generation 4 of a long-term crossbreeding study to Brahman first-cross cows for calf performance in a commercial cow-calf setting in South Louisiana. Animal Genetics Collected, Stored To Preserve Long-term Diversity Although there’s not an imminent danger, some scientists say a widespread disease or bioterrorism attack could wipe out significant portions of the U.S. farm animal population. That's where the National Animal Germplasm Program comes in.